Why Bertha Guides?
All the programs are free, they're all available to download from the Internet, so why do I need a Bertha Guide?
Good question, unfortunately the answer isn't straightforward, though perhaps that's answered the question already. Anyway, read on for a full explanation.
Firstly, Berthanet the site and the Bertha Guides are not for those lucky people who can "do" computers. They are aimed fair and square at someone who can turn their computer on, send a few e-mails and surf the 'net. In other words, the average computer user.
All the programs in the Guides have been installed and in day to day use. This means they are the best free programs available. Indeed, all the images on this site and in the Guides have been edited with the free picture editing program, Paint.net.
Many of the programs covered in the Guides do jobs that an average computer user wouldn't even know could be done or even needed to be done.
Take for example AdAware.
AdAware keeps your computer safe from Spyware. To a computer Geek this makes perfect sense, but to an average, non-geek user? To make it even more confusing, any Geek worth their salt knows that the program HijackThis is a valuable tool in mending infected computers. To a non-geek it sounds one definitely to avoid.
Likewise, Antivirus 2010 sounds like a respectable, latest version, anti-virus program. Truth is, it is like a plague to both your computer and bank balance. Avoid at all costs!
Even if you identify a program worth downloading where do you get it from?
One of the most reliable sources of downloadable software is a site called "download.com". Unfortunately, if you search for a program to deal with Spyware by searching for "spyware" your are presented with 144 pages of programs to choose from. What's worse this is a mix of "paid for", "shareware" (what!), and free programs. This isn't spoilt for choice, this is total confusion!
Assuming you actually arrive at AdAware, your problems are far from over. To actually download the program you have to visit 4 pages which have 9 instructions to download, 3 opportunities to do something with a different version and one "click here" plus a myriad of other links. The screens are shown below (click the pictures for full size).
2 Downloads & 1 Add to cart |
1 Download & 1 Continue |
3 Downloads & 1 Buy now |
3 Downloads & 1 Click here |
All of this before having to make decisions about how to install your new program, much less how to use it!
Perhaps the concept behind Bertha Guides isn't quite so silly after all. It even makes £5 sound quite reasonable.
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